The Look of a Toad
John Miller
07/13/21
- Windstream Mail
R E F L E C T I O N S Thoughts on nature and the Christian faith - 7/12/21 _______________________________________________________________________ "A glad heart makes a cheerful face, but by sorrow of heart the spirit is crushed." - Prov. 15:13 |
|
|
 |
The look of a toad can be described in a number of different ways, but "cheerful" is not one of them. "Grumpy" is perhaps a more apt description. We found this dour-looking fellow hiding in the leaves around our home. But in contrast, Christians are called to be cheerful, rejoicing at all times and in all places. However, at least for me, that is a struggle. I probably spend too much time listening to the news and pondering the direction in which much of our culture is moving. Even a serious reflection on the state of the church often crushes my spirit. Scripture tells us to think on what is good, honorable, just, and pure but that is usually overshadowed by the evil we see both around and within us. If reincarnation were actually true, I'm afraid I would probably return as a toad. So, what are people like me to do? I think the answer might lie in reminding ourselves of two truths - God's sovereignty and our hope. If God is sovereign over all things (and if he is not, he is not God), then all we see in the world is either decreed or allowed by God. Even evil is subject to his will. God is not the author of sin, but he must at least permit it or it would not exist. And God is both able and willing to use any evil for our ultimate good. We may not understand how that can be, but we can trust that the plans of God will never fail. The other thing we need to remember is the end God has promised to those who trust in him. Our journey through the valleys will end on the mountain tops. Present darkness will end in unimaginable light. And then even toads like me will have to smile. - John
